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Published on
16/01/17
Latest news
EPO Board Meets to Review Priorities and Activities for the Months Ahead
On September 17th, 2026, EPO held its latest Board meeting online, bringing together all EPO Board members to review the organisation’s ongoing activities and discuss priorities for the months ahead. The meeting provided an important opportunity to take stock of EPO’s work and exchange on current developments affecting the European pet sector. Discussions also focused on EPO’s upcoming activities, membership and partnerships, as well as the organisation’s continued engagement on key EU policy and regulatory files. Regular exchanges within the Board form an important part of EPO’s governance, helping to ensure strategic alignment and close coordination as the organisation continues to strengthen the representation of the pet sector at European level. The meeting brought together EPO’s full Board: Svein A. Fosså (NZB) – President Gerrit Hofstra (Dibevo) – Vice-President Andreas Popper (WKO) – Vice-President Frédéric Amblard (PRODAF) – Vice-President Volker Ennenbach (ZZF) – Treasurer The current Board composition reflects the appointments and renewals agreed at EPO’s 2026 AGM, when Svein A. Fosså and Gerrit Hofstra were reappointed and Volker Ennenbach was elected Treasurer.
17/09/26
EPO to Participate in CIPS 2026 in Guangzhou
The European Pet Organization (EPO) is pleased to announce its participation in the 30th edition of the China International Pet Show (CIPS), which will take place in Guangzhou, China, from 12 to 15 November 2026. As one of the major international meeting points for the global pet industry, CIPS brings together professionals, companies and stakeholders from across the world and provides an important platform for international dialogue, networking and exchange on the developments shaping the future of the pet sector. EPO will be represented at CIPS 2026 by its President, Svein A. Fosså, who has been invited to contribute to several parts of the event programme, as speaker to both the International Pet Industry Convention (CIPIC) and CIPS 2026, while also joining as member the international jury of the CIPS Innovation Award – Small & Exotic Pets Category At a time when the pet sector is increasingly interconnected globally, EPO considers international exchanges of this kind particularly important. They provide opportunities to share expertise, better understand developments across different markets and build stronger links between sector organisations and stakeholders. EPO looks forward to participating in CIPS 2026 and to engaging with colleagues and partners from around the world in Guangzhou this November.
14/09/26
EPO Participates in the 34th CITES Animals Committee Meeting in Geneva
Geneva, 14–18 July 2026: EPO is participating this week in the 34th meeting of the CITES Animals Committee (AC34), reaffirming its commitment to promoting science-based policymaking, sustainable wildlife trade and responsible pet ownership at the international level. EPO is represented by Dr. Matthew Bond (Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association – OATA), representing EPO's UK member, and Nathalie Gamain, EPO Secretary General. Throughout the meeting, EPO will engage with Parties, intergovernmental organisations, scientific experts and fellow observers on a range of issues of strategic importance for the European pet sector. EPO is also pleased to acknowledge the participation of its President, Svein A. Fosså, who is attending the meeting under his capacity as Vice President of Ornamental Fish International (OFI). This year's meeting marks an exceptional milestone: his 26th consecutive year of participation in CITES meetings—highlighting more than two decades of dedication to international conservation and the sustainable trade of ornamental aquatic species. Contributing Expertise to Key Discussions As the voice of the pet sector at European level, EPO has developed a comprehensive position paper addressing several agenda items under discussion during AC34. The organisation will actively follow and contribute to discussions on topics including: The role of CITES in reducing the risk of future zoonotic diseases, supporting continued collaboration between CITES and the One Health Quadripartite partners (WHO, WOAH, FAO and UNEP), while sharing the pet sector's expertise on animal transport standards and responsible trade. Sustainable use of wild species and non-detriment findings (NDFs), including discussions relating to the development of practical and science-based approaches for CITES implementation. Coral conservation and trade, where EPO continues to advocate for balanced, science-based solutions and greater dialogue to address the challenges affecting the ornamental aquatic sector, particularly regarding EU import restrictions on certain Australian coral species. Identification and traceability of CITES-listed species, supporting practical identification tools while encouraging the exploration of alternative marking techniques for small-bodied species such as fish, amphibians and reptiles. Trade in specimens not of wild source, encouraging practical improvements to existing CITES provisions and supporting constructive stakeholder engagement during forthcoming technical discussions. Aquatic species, including coral, seahorses and ranching of aquatic species, where EPO and OFI continue to offer their scientific and technical expertise to support future intersessional work. Conservation of amphibians, where EPO has expressed its willingness to contribute expertise concerning species commonly kept within the responsible pet trade. A Constructive Partner for Science-Based Decision-Making EPO believes that effective implementation of CITES relies on close cooperation between governments, scientists, conservation organisations and responsible industry stakeholders. Representing thousands of businesses across Europe through its national member associations and entities from the pet sector, EPO is committed to contributing practical expertise and scientific knowledge to support conservation objectives while ensuring that international trade remains sustainable, responsible and proportionate. Throughout AC34, EPO will continue to engage constructively with Parties and observers, advocating for evidence-based decisions that support biodiversity conservation, animal welfare and responsible international trade.
16/07/26
EPO Participates in the EU High-Level Conference Celebrating 10 Years of the EU Animal Health Law
The conference marked the publication of the European Commission's evaluation of the Animal Health Law and unveiled 11 priority actions to further strengthen its implementation across the European Union. On July 8th, 2026, EPO participated in the European Commission conference celebrating the 10th anniversary of the EU Animal Health Law (AHL). Bringing together around 130 representatives from EU institutions, Member States, veterinary authorities, academia and stakeholder organisations, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on a decade of achievements while discussing the future direction of EU animal health policy. A Decade of Progress under the Animal Health Law The conference was officially opened by Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, who highlighted the strategic importance of animal health in safeguarding public health, strengthening food security and supporting the resilience of Europe's animal sectors through a strong One Health approach. A key milestone of the event was the presentation of the European Commission's evaluation of the Animal Health Law, carried out under the Better Regulation Initiative. The evaluation concluded that the legislation remains fit for purpose, while identifying opportunities to further strengthen its implementation and ensure it continues to respond effectively to emerging challenges. Looking Ahead: 11 Priority Actions Building on the evaluation, the European Commission presented 11 priority actions that will guide the next phase of implementation of the Animal Health Law. These actions are grouped under three strategic pillars: Administrative improvements to simplify procedures and enhance harmonisation across Member States; Veterinary priorities, including stronger disease prevention, preparedness, biosecurity and vaccination; Cross-cutting actions to reinforce the One Health approach, strengthen animal welfare and improve cooperation between competent authorities and stakeholders. Throughout the conference, speakers consistently emphasised the importance of science-based policymaking, effective implementation and close collaboration among public authorities, veterinarians, researchers and stakeholders. These principles were recognised as essential to ensuring that the Animal Health Law continues to protect animal health, public health and the sustainability of Europe's animal sectors. EPO Looks Forward to Continued Collaboration As the voice of the pet sector at European level, EPO welcomes the European Commission's continued commitment to strengthening the Animal Health Law and ensuring that its implementation remains practical, proportionate and effective. EPO would like to sincerely thank the European Commission Animal Health team for organising such an insightful and well-structured conference. The event successfully celebrated ten years of progress while setting a clear roadmap for the years ahead. EPO looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with the European Commission and all relevant stakeholders to support the successful implementation of the Animal Health Law and to ensure that the expertise and specific realities of the European pet sector continue to be recognised in the development of future EU animal health policies.
10/07/26